DictionarysparStructural pole or beam
noun

spar

A strong supporting pole or beam on a ship or aircraft.

A strong spar inside each wing helps support the aircraft.

Etymology

The older word means a beam or pole. Ships and aircraft use such long structural members for support.

More examples

  • The crew secures the sail to a wooden spar.
  • Mechanics inspect the wing spars for cracks.
  • The storm snapped a spar near the top of the mast.

Forms

spar · spars

Similar words

beam
A broader term for a long structural support.
mast
Specifically an upright shipboard pole supporting sails or rigging.